Phase 2 - Increased Readiness - NWS issuance
of a "Heat Outlook". The NWS Sacramento
Bureau will issue a "heat outlook" as part of a "special
weather statement" with the terminology "heat outlook" in
the title. It will be issued 2-7 days prior to a heat
warning. The heat outlook will mean that there are "solid
indications that perilous heat conditions are possible." This
phase should be considered, as somewhat of a luxury as there
is no guarantee the NWS will be able to issue a “heat
outlook” prior to issuing a heat watch or warning.

Phase 3 - NWS issuance of a "Heat Watch". The
NWS Sacramento Bureau will issue a "heat watch" as
part of the "special weather statement". It
will be issued 48 hours in advance of a heat warning. An
additional trigger for Phase 3 activation is a "special
weather statement" indicating two or more consecutive
days where the daytime heat index is expected to reach 110F
for two or more hours OR the nighttime minimum low heat index
is 75F or higher over at least 25% of the advised area.

Phase 4 - NWS issuance of a "Heat Warning". At
least two (2) consecutive days are expected with heat indices
at or above 110°F during the day and above 75°F at
night over at least 25% of the warned area (for us the "Delta
Influenced Inland Valleys).

Other Phase Criteria. There are
additional activation triggers in the plan that offer the
flexibility to respond based on events within the County
such as increased EMS calls and Ag concerns that don't require
NWS involvement.